time to time, an account of its doings. For the past eleven years "we
have been engaged as a general relief committee for this county, to
assist sojourning and unaffiliated brothers who are in need of the help-
ing hand of their fellow members. In so doing we have not assumed
upon the province of the subordinate lodge. The line of demarkation,
however. Is not always clear, and in some cases where the waiting
for the meeting of a lodge might cause inconvenience and hardship,
we, being easily accessible, have undertaken the task usually allotted
to a lodge. Thus we have during the past year buried two brothers
from other jurisdictions.
Many brothers have been relieved. Meals and lodging have been
supplied at the St. Charles Hotel, pursuant to an arrangement we have
with that house. Where cash money was advanced to relieve a brother,
the transaction was considered as a loan. No security has been re-
quired or interest charged. The plighted faith of a brother's promise
has amply sufficed. Seldom has this promise been broken. The ties
of brotherhood, the sense of fraternal honor, the love and respect one
bears to his own lodge, make this promise stronger. The untainted
love of an Odd Fellow is one hundred per cent, of humanity.
The following members of other jurisdictions were buried in the
Odd Fellows' plat at Rosehill Cemetery: Jacob Bemb, Northern Light
Lodge, No. 121, Minnesota; died at Alexian Bros. Hospital. We quote
from a letter received from the Secretary of that lodge: "Yours of the
26th inst. received. Mere words can not express our feelings, and the
members of Northern Light Lodge, No. 121, I.O.O.F., at its meeting
last evening voted you and the Odd Fellows' Board of Relief of Chicago
a unanimous vote of thanks for the arrangements you made in behalf
of the lodge for Bro. Bemb. It is such brotherly acts as yours that
^^^^.l^^n,^ - ' '- GKAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F . 359
Nov. 20,190(. >
endear the Order to all those who are fortunate enough to be within
its borders. Remember St. Paul in September, and do not forget 121
in Minneapolis."
Alfred H. McKay, Fort Lodge, No. 50, Norwood, Mass.; died at
County Hospital. Buried at Rosehill in Odd Fellows' plat. He was on
his way from Salt Lake City to Ireland. He died as the result of
violent injuries, supposed to have been caused by hold-up men who had
waylaid and robbed him. The case is pathetic and explains his pres-
ence in a county institution.
Among many applications received, members of the following
lodges have been relieved: —
Frontier Lodge, 25, Kas.; Brockton Lodge, 40, Mass.; Pasadena
Lodge, 24, Calif.; Shelton Lodge, 62, Wash.; Graham Lodge, 690, Penn.;
West Waterloo Lodge, 716, Iowa; Oklahoma Lodge, 2, Okla.; Ft. SneJl-
ing Lodge, 163, Minn.; Monticello Lodge, 117, Ind.; Mt. Zion Lodge, 51,
Ark.; Pride of Egypt Lodge, 931, HI.; Golden Rule Lodge, 21, D. C;
Utopian Lodge, 398, Mich.; Humbolt Lodge, 266, Wis.; Monticello
Lodge, 107, Ind.; Unity Lodge, 407, Mich.; St. Anne Lodge, 820, 111.,
Eldorado Lodge, 8, Calif.; Alaska Lodge, 1, Alaska; Columbus Lodge,
215, Mich.; Rialto Lodge, 161, New Jersey; West Moreland Lodge, 840,
Pa.; Phoenix Lodge, 233, Ohio; Gideon Lodge, 785, N. Y.; San Pablo
Lodge, 43, Calif.; Westminster Lodge, 27, R. I.; Green Valley Lodge,
245, Wis.; Marietta Lodge, 26, Wis.; Magdalia Lodge, 991, Pa.; Prin-
ciple Lodge, 76, 111.; Collingwood Lodge, 54, Ontario; America Lodge,
385, Col.; Lansdowne Lodge, 9, Quebec; Hohenwold Lodge, 293, Tenn.;
Logan Lodge, 848, Ohio; Emanuel Lodge, 208, N. Y.; Ludlow Lodge,
104, Pa.; Westphalia Lodge, 518, N. Y.
Many cases of sickness of transient brothers have been referred
to the nearest resident lodge.
Whenever possible, we have obtained employment when applied for.
Inasmuch as there are many employment agencies in this city, our field
of endeavor in this respect is necessarily limited. We should, how-
ever, be very glad to receive the names of employers that are members
of the Order, authorizing us to send them worthy applicants. In this,
as in all other things, we seek the constant aid and advice of members
of the Order. In our representative capacity, we take the broad ground
that we are entitled to their good will and material aid. Were it not
so, how could we in turn extend it to others?
We have received numerous inquiries from relatives and friends
of brothers and sisters who have apparently, at one time or another,
amid the lights and shadows of a great city, lost themselves among us.
With the information at hand, we have, whenever possible, located the
lost ones and restored them to their friends. If "absence makes the'
heart grow fonder," this may suggest a reason for their straying from
home, family and friends.
360 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ] >Sv!"2o!lW7'.
Whenever, with the means at our command, consistent with the
rules of transportation companies, we have found it possible to assist
brothers and sisters to their homes outside of our city, our secretary
has willingly and gladly devoted his time and efforts to their assistance.
We again invite attention to our urgent call to the lodges to
Induce each representative to attend our regular stated meetings, to
the end that we may receive their advice and cooperation in the great
work in which we are engaged. Surely one meeting in each month,
at a plAce easily accessible to all transportation lines, ought not to
result in hardship or even inconvenience to the representative. We
earnestly hope our friendly call will be answered by large attendance.
In conclusion, permit us to state that, as we are working for the
good of the Order, ours is a labor of love. Our compensation lies in
the satisfaction of obeying the command enjoined upon every brother
and sister to relieve the distressed. The grateful acknowledgments
received, the many tenders of aid on the part of lodges and individual
brothers, their cooperation and advice, have, these many years, sus-
tained us in our work. Our united efforts in this behalf will in the
future, as in the past, insure continuance of harmonious action in
behalf of the suffering in pursuing constantly the work in which we
are engaged.
Respectfully submitted, in F. L. and T.
H. J. Reeziger,
President.
Whereas, The Odd Fellows' Board of Relief of Chicago, composed
of representatives of lodges in Cook County, has been engaged for the
past eleven years as a General Relief Committee in Cook County,
administering relief to brothers of other jurisdictions who may be
temporarily in need of assistance from the Order, thus in all respects
responding to the command enjoined upon us as members of the Order,
and fulfilling the solemn obligations of an Odd Fellow, working along
well-trodden paths of duty in the enviable light of fraternalism;
elevating the mind to high ideals, that has given to this Order a
noble prestige far beyond the most cherished ambitions of its humble
founders, so molding and shaping its lines of action as to command
the respect worthy of Odd Fellows;
Resolved, That the Odd Fellows' Board of Relief of Chicago is
entitled to the respect and confidence of the members of the Order,
and we cheerfully recommend this organization to the support and
assistance of the lodges of Cook County; no legal liability to exist in
this behalf on the part of this Grand Lodge or the subordinate lodges.
Eep. Larsen, of 847, offered the following, which was referred
to the Committee on Finance. [See 18th report of that committee.]
N?v "o^?!)?' \ GRAKD LODGE OF ILLINOIS^ I.O.O.F. 361
DOCUMENT NO. 25.
Whereas. Bro. John Latas was duly initiated a member of Wil-
liam Tell Lodge, No. 45, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, located
at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on October 1, 1852; and
Whereas. Bro. Latas has been continuously a member in good
standing since said date, and now is a member in good standing of
Monticello Lodge, No. 847, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, located
at Chicago, Illinois; and
Whereas, It is duly evidenced and proven by the oflBcial certificate
hereto attached and made a part hereof;
Noic. Therefore, in appreciation and consideration of Bro. Latas'
honorable and long-continued membership, be it
Resolved, by the Grand Lodge of Illinois of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, now in session at Springfield, Illinois, that a 50-year
veteran jewel be granted to Bro. John Latas.
The Committee on the State of the Order presented their first,
second, third, fonrtli, fifth and sixth reports, which were hiid on
the table, under the rule. [All these reports were adopted Thurs-
day morning.] .
DOCUMENT NO. 26.
First report, by Bro. W. F. Douglas, of No. 141.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
Your committee has examined those portions of the Grand Master's
Report under the heading State of the Order, pages 14 to 16, and
the parts under the headings of Proclamations and Special Sessions,
pages 20, 21, 22 and 2.3, and recommends that they be approved by the
Grand Lodge.
Chas. S. Harris, E.aiie J. Baxter,
W. F. Douglas, J. M. Barcus.
Jonas Bear, G. J. Johnsox,
F. O. Nelson, A. T. Roxer,
Hexry Ci^vrke.
DOCUMENT NO. 27.
Second report, by Bro. Chas. S. Harris, P.G.M.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
Your committee has considered that part of the Grand Master's
Report under the head of New Subordinate Lodges and New Rebekah
362 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS, | n'o^^^O^IWt'
Lodges, pages 30 and 31, and recommends that charters be granted ca
the several lodges reported by the Grand Master.
Signed by the Committee.
DOCUMENT NO. 28.
Third report, by Bro. Jonas Bear, of No, 608.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
Your committee recommends the approval of the Grand Master's
actions in closing those Subordinate and Rebekah Lodges mentioned in
his report on pages 31 to 35 inclusive.
Signed by the Committee,
DOCUMENT NO, 29,
Fourth report, by Bro, F, 0. Nelson, of No. 583,
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
That we have examined those portions of the Grand Master's
Report under the headings. Losses by Fire, Consolidations, Removals,
Change of Language, on pages 36 to 38 inclusive, and recommend the
approval thereof.
Signed by the Committee.
DOCUMENT NO. 30.
Fifth report, by Bro. Emil J. Baxter, of No. 332.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
Your committee have examined those portions of the Grand
Master's Report under the headings, Expelled Members Reinstated
and Dispensations, pages 39 and 40, and recommend the approval
thereof.
Signed by the Committee.
DOCUMENT NO. 31.
Sixth report, by Bro. J. M. Barcus, of No. 107,
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on the State of the Order would respectfully re-
port as follows:
Wednesday, j. GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 363
That we approve the action of the Grand Master in the matter
of the Duane Lodge defalcation [page 62], and we recommend that the
Grand Lodge instruct the incoming Grand Master to continue Bros.
Edward H. Taylor, of Deering Lodge, No. 717, and James Ewing Davis,
of Lakeside Lodge, No. 450, as assistants in looking after said matter.
Signed by the Committee.
The first report of the Committee on Finance (page 73)
was considered and adopted.
The second report of the same committee (page 75) was con-
sidered and adopted.
The third report of the same committee (page 76) was con-
sidered and adopted.
The fourth report of the same committee (page 78) was con-
sidered and adopted.
The case of G. W. Miller vs. Forest Lodge, No. 255, appealed
from the decision of the Committee on Judiciary and Appeals, was
taken up. [See pages 201 and 231.]
On motion of Bro. Henry Phillips, P. CM,, the appeal was dis-
missed and the case was remanded for rehearing.
Bro. Owen Scott, Deputy Grand Master, introduced three
members of Decatur Lodges, each of whom wears a Fifty-year Vet-
eran Jewel, as follows :
Jos. Mills and I. N. Martin, of Decatur Lodge, No. 65 ; I. W.
Ehrman, of Celestial Lodge, No. 186.
The fifth report of the Committee on Finance (Doc. 16, page
349) was considered and adopted.
The sixth report of the same committee (Doc. 17, page 349)
was considered and adopted.
The first report of the Committee on Printing (Doc. 18, page
350) was considered and adopted.
The second report of the same committee (Doc. 19, page 351)
was considered and adopted.
The first report of the Committee on Legislation (Doc. 20,
page 351) was considered.
The report was amended by adding that the seal of the Lodge
be changed to correspond with the new name. As amended, the
report was adopted.
364 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. | Nov "?m7'
On motion of Bro. Eobert Walton, of 71T, consideration of
all business lying over from the last annual session was made a
special order for 3 o'clock this afternoon.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the
Nomination and Election of Officers
for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master called for nominations
FOR GRAND MASTER.
Bro. W. S. Adams, of 868, nominated Owen Scott, of 186.
There being no other nomination , —
The Grand Secretary was instructed to cast the entire vote of
the Grand Lodge for Bro. Scott. It was so done, and Bro. Owen
Scott, of ISTo. 186, was declared duly elected Grand Master for the
ensuing year.
The Grand Master-elect made a short address.
Grand Master Merrills announced appointments as follows :
To fill vacancies in the Committee on the State of the Order —
Bros. X. T. Allen, of ISTo. 478; F. W. Latimer, of Xo. 184.
FOR DEPUTY GRAND MASTER.
Bro. J. W. Yantis, P.G.M., of 117, nominated W. M. Groves, of 117.
There being no other nomination, —
The Grand Secretary was instructed to cast the entire vote of
the Grand Lodge for Bro. Groves. It was so done, and Bro. Wil-
liam M. Groves, of No, 117, was declared duly elected Deputy Grand
]\Iaster for the ensuing year.
Bro. Groves made a short speech.
FOR GRAND WARDEN.
Bro. Duncan McDougall, of 41, nominated James Ewing Davis, of 450.
Bro. Henry Phillips, P.G.M., of 16, nominated E. R. Sayler, of 6.
On motion, nominations were declared closed.
The Grand Master appointed Tellers as follows:
J, E. Taylor, of 118, Chairman; James R. Fox, of 6; E, I.
Jessop, of 32; Howard Eobertson, of 645; H. G. Cormick, of 179;
Elmer A. Kimball, of 601 : A. H. Gardner, of 102 ; W. P. Kuerr, of
No^v "o^?^?' } GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I.O.O.F. 365
2GU; 0. B. Anderson, of 39; K. H. Winkclnian, of Xo. 650; N".
LaDoit Jolmson, of 328.
The two candidates for Grand Warden were calU'd to the stand
and introduced to the Grand Lodge.
A ballot was taken, and the Tellers retired to count the votes.
FOR GRAND SECRETARY.
Bro. Owen Scott, of 186, nominated John H. Sikes, of 465.
There being no other nomination, —
On motion of Bro. Scott, Grand Treasurer Needles was in-
structed to cast the entire vote of the Grand Lodge for Bro. Sikes.
It was so done, and Bro. John H. Sikes, of No. 465, was declared
duly elected Grand Secretary for the ensuing year.
Bro. Sikes made a brief address.
FOR GRAND TREASURER.
Bro. J. A. Lucas, Grand Rep., nominated Thomas B. Needles, of 37.
There being no other nomination, —
The Grand Secretary was instructed to cast the entire vote of
the Grand Lodge for Bro. Needles. It was so done, and Bro.
Thomas B. Needles, of No. 37, was declared duly elected Grand
Treasurer for the ensuing year.
Bro. Needles made a short speech.
Past Grand Master Harris was called to the chair.
Bro. J. R. Kewley, P.G.]\r., offered the following, for which
he asked immediate consideration, which was granted:
DOCUMENT NO. 32.
Whereas. The legislation passed in 1906 relative to election of
Grand Representatives is in a more or less tangled condition, and
whereas, it is desirable to have this important matter correct; there-
fore, be it
Resolved, That said legislation be and the same is hereby repealed
and rescinded; and be it further
Resolved, That the Committee on Legislation be and hereby is in-
structed to report to this Grand Lodge proper constitutional amend-
ment on the subject-matter.
After considerable deljate. —
On motion of Bro. J. E. Watson, of 601, the resolutions were
laid on the table indefinitely.
The Chair called for nomiiiatious
366 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. \uoy!20,mi.
FOR GRAND REPRESENTATIVE.
Bro. Alfred Orendorff, P.G.M., nominated Fred B. Merrills, G.M.
Bro. J. R. Watson, of 601, nominated John W. Yantis, P.G.M.
Bro. Yantis declined, and seconded the nomination of Bro.
Merrills.
Bro. Orendorff moved that the Grand Secretary be instructed
to cast the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge for Bro. Merrills
for the term of one year.
The Chair ruled the motion out of order.
Bro. Kewley then moved that the Grand Secretary be in-
structed to cast the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge for Bro.
Merrills for the term of two years.
Bro. Kewley's motion being under consideration, —
Grand Master Merrills resumed the chair.
On motion of Bro. Orendorff, the election of Grand Eepre-
sentative was made a special order for 2 :30 o'clock this afternoon.
A motion to take recess until 1 :30 o'clock p. m. did not pre-
vail.
The second report of the Committee on Legislation (Doc. 21,
page 352) was considered and adopted.
The third report of the same committee (Doc. 22, page 353)
was considered and adopted.
The fourth report of the same committee (Doc. 23, page 354)
was read, and consideration of same was postponed until the next
annual session.
Bro. John K. Watson, of 601, offered the following, which
was referred to the Committee on Finance. [The committee re-
ported orally, Thursday afternoon, in favor of the resolution,
which was thereupon adopted.]
DOCUMENT NO. 33.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge appropriate a sum not to exceed
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to be used for the erection at the
Orphans' Home of a Manual Training and Domestic Science Depart-
ment, as recommended by the Grand Master, and by the Board of
Directors of the Orphans' Home.
5Sv °2o!l^^'. } GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS^ I.O.O.F. 367
Eep. Gallaway, of 22, offered the following, which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Legislation. [See 13th report of that
committee; also, 25th report of Committee on the State of the
Order.]
DOCUMENT NO. 34.
Whereas, A resolution was adopted at the session of ttiis Grand
Lodge held in November, 1906, providing for the creation of a Com-
mittee on Libraries; and
Whereas, The response to the work of the committee has resulted
in the contribution of nearly two thousand volumes during the past
year to the Old Folks' and Orphans' Home Libraries; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Library Committee shall be a permanent one,
consisting of three members to be appointed by the Grand Master.
The following petition was presented, and was referred to the
Committee on the State of the Order. [See 22d report of that
committee.]
DOCUMENT NO. 35.
Hall of Pellonia Lodge, 621, I.O.O.F.
Mb. J. L. King. Brookpoet, III., 11-19-'07.
Dear Sir and Brother:
At a regular meeting of this Lodge the 18th inst., the following
resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge be petitioned to change the name
of this Lodge to Brookport Lodge, No. 621, instead of Pellonia Lodge,
(Signed)
J. K. West, J. L. King.
Fraternally yours,
J. J. Farmer, Rec. Sec.
rSeal of Lodge]
The following communication was received from the Eebekah
Assembly, and was referred to the Committee on Judiciary and
Appeals. [See 5th report of that committee.]
DOCUMENT NO. 36.
Springfield, III., November 18, 1907.
T'o the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Illinois:
The Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows being an incorporate body, its
Constitution prescribes that its subordinate bodies, in order to sue or
be sued in the civil courts, shall be represented by five trustees; the
368 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. ( n'o^?"20^?|j7'
Rebekah Assembly of Illinois being one of its subordinate bodies, and
not properly provided with said trustees, it is the sense of this com-
mittee that we desire to ask the following questions of the Grand
Lodge:
First — Is it necessary for the Rebekah State Assembly to elect
five trustees under the Act of Incorporation of the Grand Lodge?
Second — Should the election of these trustees be provided for by
the Rebekah State Assembly Constitution and By-Laws?
Fraternally submitted.
Lola L. Rickakd,
V. Catherine Thomas,
Nellie L. Harris.
The following paper was presented, and was referred to the
Committee on Legislation. [See 14th report of that committee.]
DOCUMENT NO. 37.
I, Mr. V. L. DeWitt, Representative of Iron Link Lodge, No. 751,
propose the following amendment:
Amend Section five (5) of Article II (2) of the Subordinate Con-
stitution, as found in Section 1028, page 118, of the Illinois Code of
1906, by adding the following words:
"Applicant will please affix answers to the following interro-
gatories :
Your place of birth, Town County of
State of
When born day of 18 ..... .
Where do you now reside?
Your last address
How long have you been a resident of Illinois?
Your last address prior to becoming a resident of the State of
Illinois?
What is your occupation?
Where is your place of business?
Have you ever, at any time, applied to any Lodge of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for initiation?
If so, state the name, number and location of such Lodge, and date of
application, to the best of your recollection
Do you believe in the existence of God?
I refer to and to
(Write name in full.)
To the Officers and Members of Lodge, No
I.O.O.F., working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the
Gkand Maushal
K°n^?
Nov. 20,1907
State of Illinois of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows:
I respectfully request admission into this Lodge by
and in consideration of such admission I promise and agree that, if
elected, I will conform to the Constitution and the By-Laws of your
Lodge and those of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, and that
I will seek my remedy for all rights on account of said membership
or connection therewith in the tribunals of the Order only, without
resorting for their enforcement, in any event or for any purpose, to the
civil courts.
I am not, in violation of the I.O.O.F. Laws, a saloonkeeper, bar-
tender, or professional gambler.
Applicant will please affix answers to the follow-ing interrogatories:
Your place of birth Town County of
State of
Vv'hen born day of 18
Where do you now reside?
Your last address?
How long have you been a resident of Illinois?
Your last address prior to becoming a resident of the State of
Illinois?
What is your occupation?
Where is your place of business?
Have you ever, at any time, applied to any Lodge of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for initiation?
If so, state the name, number and location of such Lodge, and date
of application, to the best of your recollection
Do you believe in the existence of God?
I refer to and to
(Write name in full.)
The Coiiiinittec on Legislaiioii pi'c^sonlcd the following report,
which was laid on the table, under the rule. [Considered Thurs-
day morning, and the propn^^cd amendments laid on the table.]
DOCUMENT NO. 38.
Fifth report, by Bro. John E. Jennings, of No. 158.
To the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, I.O.O.F.:
Your Committee on Legislation would respectfully report as
follows:
That we have carefully considered the two proposed amendments
to Section 10 of Article VI of the Grand Lodge Constitution proposed
370 JOUKNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. j K "^S'
at the Grand Lodge session of 190tJ, and as they appear on page 239
of this Journal, and recommend that neither of said amendments be
adopted by this Grand Lodge.
Respectfully submitted.
Signed by the Committee.
â– The same committee presented their sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth reports, which were laid on the
table, under the rule. [All adopted Thursday afternoon.]
DOCUMENT NO. 39.
Sixth report, by Bro. Wm. M. Schuwerk, of No. 895.